More than 2.7 million Americans served during the Vietnam War. On Sunday, 50 years since it ended, more than 200 soldiers with ties to Douglas County were welcomed home. Following a meal for the veterans and familiy members at Broadway Ballroom, three busloads of veterans were transported to the Alexandria Area High School for a long overdue greeting. An estimated 2000 people waited outside the school as the busses arrived. Wave after wave of soldiers made the walk or ride from the parking lot into the school. They walked though a pathway surrounded by American flags, banners and cheers from family and community members. From one end of the parking lot to the other was the traveling Vietnam Memorial, along with the names of the deceased from other conflicts and flying overhead was a UH1-H Huey helicopter. Once inside the school, the soldiers were honored during a celebration inside the Performing Arts Center.

(more photos from the event can be seen on our Facebook page)

For a quick video clip from the lines going into the AAHS school, click on this YouTube video below.